Are you short or long distance runner?

I am writing about running not because I am trying to convince you to start running, but because it is very interesting to become aware of “short or long distance tendencies” within us.

You may not expect this from me,  but I used to be a “short distance runner and easy quitter”. For example I had an idea; I would try something for a while and when difficulties appeared I gave up. I kept repeating this tendency until I became aware of it. That awareness allowed me to make a new commitment:  don’t give up too quickly. 

As somebody wise said: “There are only two mistakes one can make along the road to truth: not going all the way, and not starting.”

I used to have short-term goals and I was always looking for the shortest way to achieve something. Often this resulted in exactly the opposite:  instead of saving time and energy, I had to spend much more time and energy to achieve the goal. I made a new commitment again: trust the process and take your time. 

I would like us to grow together into a ‘long distance running mindset’. 

Firstly, in order to develop a long distance running mindset we need to start with accepting that change is part of life and all forms of life on this planet are changing in some sense all the time. 

Secondly we need to look for the growth in everything. If we look at our physical activities, each time we challenge ourself with push-ups or a handstand we push against an enormous amount of resistance with our body. 

It’s the same for our mind. By overcoming internal resistance, we increase our mental strength and stamina. So when your mind says ‘Stop, you’re not good enough!’ but you continue  anyway… that’s when you develop a long distance running mindset! It is exactly what we need at this moment – learning to deal with resistance.  We can build our will, our mind and overall stamina right now.

“Love is like a precious plant. You can’t just accept it and leave it in the cupboard or just think it’s going to get on by itself. You’ve got to keep on watering it. You’ve got to really look after it and nurture it.” ― John Lennon

Stay healthy!

With love,

Katri